Anti-Gay Music: Pepsi's "Mistake," Grammy's Deadly Homophobia

The Grammy nomination of Jamaica's Buju Banton, whose song lyrics call for the brutal murder of homosexuals, is being condemned by LGBT organizations nationwide.  Among the groups speaking out against the Recording Academy is the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.  LAGLC spokesman Jim Key says:  "We’re shocked that Buju Banton, a singer with a long record of performing a song that glorifies the murder of gay people, would be honored with a Grammy nomination, regardless of the artistic merit of any of his work."  And GLAAD released this statement:  "Reggae singer Buju Banton’s anti-gay lyrics and the climate of hatred they create are a threat to the safety of gay and transgender people everywhere.   In a climate of increased anti-gay violence in this country and Banton’s home country of Jamaica, it is deeply disappointing that the Recording Academy would choose to laud the work of a singer who has advocated violence against the gay community."

From the Miama Herald:  In a popular song released in 1988 entitled "Boom Bye Bye," Banton repeats the anti-gay ‘f-word’ and says that "faggots have to die" and he will "shoot them in the head" or "burn them."  ... (T)he song "Batty Rider" from Banton’s 1993 record “Mr. Mention” glorifies the shooting of gay men.  In October 2009 Banton was quoted in news reports as saying "This is a fight, and as I said in one of my songs 'there is no end to the war between me and faggots' and it's clear." 

Banton's comment was made after his unedifying meeting with members of the LGBT community - which means that the singer has no desire to renounce his hatred or stop inciting murder.  After all, why should he?  His homo-hating fans love that stuff.

Meanwhile, Pepsico has issued a disingenuous apology for sponsoring a concert in Uganda where the reggae artist Beenie Man sang about his desire to "cut the throats of all gay men."  The company's official response:  "We are appalled by the performer’s lyrics and find them repugnant.  Our bottling partner in Uganda was not aware of the performer’s views and never would have sponsored the concert with this knowledge.  Moving forward, we will work closely with our bottling partners to be more vigilant about the events associated with our brands."  (That second sentence is bullshit.  Pepsi's bottling partner had to know what kind of musician was being booked, especially in light of the country's proposed legislation calling for the execution of gays.  Hell, in Uganda this sort of thing would be government sanctioned.  For Pepsico to suddenly claim that its African subsidiary was unaware of the singer's reputation is far-fetched.)

Although the Pepsi matter is thought to be resolved, the insensitivity of Grammy members who nominated Buju Banton for their prestigious award remains an open wound.  To my knowledge, there's no way of knowing which members actually approved Banton's nomination.  But their recognition of him shows that homophobia is very much alive in the music industry.  Would a recording artist who sang even mildly racist lyrics be honored in this way?  No.  But the Grammys find it acceptable for a musician to promote the murder of gays and lesbians?  That's disgraceful. 

This isn't an Adam Lampert situation where ABC cancelled a few appearances over an onstage kiss. This is an offense against the LGBT community that will be remembered for years to come.   (Pictured Top: Buju Banton, Bottom: Beenie Man)

Comments

[Amanda]

That's outrageous. I always enjoyed watching the Grammys on TV... but this year I'll be tuning into the news for results. Advertiser list?

[Bee Girl]

Bad move, Grammies. Very bad move.

[Carol]

I would also like to see Grammy's list of advertisers. I surfed over to GLAAD and couldn't find one. This is serious. Why isn't a boycott being called for? I'm not a person who thinks boycotts should happen over every little issue. But this is deserving of one.

[Philip]

Why would they want to honor someone who is calling for the murder of an entire subset of people? This is entertainment?

[Bill]

Sponsors:
http://www.grammy.com/Sponsors/